The Dutch participating broadcaster, Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS), selected its entry through a national final, after having previously selected the performer internally.

Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS) held the national final on 23 March 1988 at 20:10 CEST in the Congresgebouw in The Hague, hosted by Astrid Joosten.

The contest was broadcast on Nederland 3 (with commentary by Willem van Beusekom).

[2][3] Joling performed 7th on the night of the contest, following Spain and preceding Israel.

Among the members of the Dutch jury were Hans van den Berg and Bert Tuk.